As Christmas creeps up on us, so does the great spirit of consumerism. This is usually a time when either new a product is released on the ravenous audience or a time to add a simple new function to an existing product. The MP3 player and iPod have gone both routes, but for the sake of this column I'll tell you about a few products that take the evolution of this miniature musical creation even further.

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If the last river you saw was on the National Geographic channel, you might need to give this a try. Synthetic products are usually a bad idea. Just think of government cheese or the new basketball being used in the NBA. A good rule would be to stay away from anything containing that notorious “S” word. But the United States National Whitewater Center, located just outside of Charlotte, N.C., is out to change that perception. read more »

Love the idea of feeling the wind against your face as you ride your bicycle? Hate the thought of how your face gets bright red as you try to bike up the hill?

Today's guest blogger, Ed Phillipps, is a freelance journalist based in Pittsburgh, where he writes weekly sports articles for three newspapers. He graduated with highest honors from the Community College of Allegheny County and is currently moving towards a degree in communications from the University of Pittsburgh with the speed of a glacier. Today, Ed has found the perfect bicycle solution to yourdilemma.

Here's his article:

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For 2007, Schwinn will release a new line of electric bicycles. The bikes will be powered by battery and come in retro-chic styles with enough options for anyone interested in riding a bike.

I remember riding a bicycle as a kid. My first time without training wheels resulted in me hitting a telephone pool and then landing on a sewer. Good times.
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GameRunnerToo busy with that game of Madden to hit the gym? Don't want to miss the Flavor of Love II reunion? Don't worry because modern technology has you covered.

Today's guest blogger, Ed Phillipps, is a freelance journalist based in Pittsburgh, where he writes weekly sports articles for three newspapers. He graduated with highest honors from the Community College of Allegheny County and is currently moving towards a degree in communications from the University of Pittsburgh with the speed of a glacier. Today, Ed lets everyone know you can get some exercise in without leaving your TV.

Here's his article

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With childhood obesity setting new records every year, this was inevitable: video game workouts. Has it come to this? Is this the only way to convince us to drag ourselves off the couch and get a bit of exercise? I'm afraid so. With parents worried about the ever-changing girth of their children and video game companies worried that their consumers --no pun intended-- might actually go outside into the sunlight, we have been blessed with video game and television workouts.

Prospot 600Feeling a little antisocial? Well now, you no longer need a spotter while working out.

Today's guest blogger, Ed Phillipps, is a freelance journalist based in Pittsburgh, where he writes weekly sports articles for three newspapers. He graduated with highest honors from the Community College of Allegheny County and is currently moving towards a degree in communications from the University of Pittsburgh with the speed of a glacier. Today, Ed tells the readers of AmericanInventorSpot.com how to take the risk out of working out alone.

Here's his article

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Imagine you're bench pressing by yourself without the help of a spotter. The weight becomes heavier and your arms are turning to jell-o. You push as hard as you can, but the weight simply won't budge. So you just let go of the bar, inches from your face. And it stays in place. read more »